By Olukayode Idowu

The General Officer Commanding (GOC), 6 Division, Nigerian Army/Land Component Commander, Joint Task Force, South South, Operation DELTA SAFE, Major General Jamal Abdussalam has charged troops to ensure they create an enabling environment for the smooth conduct of a peaceful election in Bayelsa State.

According to Acting Deputy Director 6 Division Army Public Relations Major Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, he gave the charge, while addressing troops and members of other security agencies for the conduct of Exercise SAFE CONDUCT 2023 in Bayelsa State today, Monday, November 2023.

While addressing the troops, Major General Abdussalam charged them to ensure the good people of Bayelsa State come out in their numbers to vote for candidates of their choice without any fear of intimidation. This he said is one of the ways the Nigerian Army (NA) will support democracy to thrive in Nigeria. “We must ensure that everywhere is safe and people are able to see sufficiently that we are fully on the ground to boost public confidence in the electoral process,”  he said.

He further maintained that troops have been adequately briefed on the subsisting Code of Conduct and Rules of Engagement for the Elections, adding that they must conduct themselves in the most professional manner before, during and after the election.

Major General Abdussalam warned that no form of complacency would be tolerated at all levels, calling on all the participating troops to ensure they do the needful as duty calls. He also used the medium to call on would be trouble makers to desist as troops are determined to close up on them during the election.

The GOC maintained that no stone would be left unturned to deal decisively with any individual or group, whose stock in trade is to cause mayhem or snatch ballot boxes during the elections. “If the trouble makers feel they have 2 heads, they must be ready with the second head because the first head would surely be taken off,” he re-echoed. The era of snatching ballot boxes, stuffing them, and indeed any form of electoral violence are gone. Adequate arrangements have been put in place to deal decisively with such threats, reassuring that  in the days ahead, trouble makers would be positively identified, isolated, and dealt with.

Major General Abdussalam also said that flash points have been identified, and anything that will deny the electorates to exercise their franchise freely will be met with proportionate force. He called on those thinking a long that line to bury their thoughts, as security forces will go all out to ensure the election is conducted in a peaceful manner. The GOC was particularly pleased with the level of synergy existing between the NA and sister Services, which he said culminated into a joint route march, climaxing with a joint show of force in Yenagoa and environs today. This, he further said, essentially sends a clear message to those who are bent on causing trouble before, during, and after the poll to have a rethink. He assured the good people of Bayelsa State that adequate security has been put in place to ensure a peaceful poll.

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 In a remarkable ceremony on Wednesday, Major General Jamal Abdussalam, the General Officer Commanding, 6 Division, Nigerian Army, and Land Component Commander of the Joint Task Force, South South, Operation DELTA SAFE, officially commissioned multiple infrastructure projects and unveiled the new name of the camp located at 146 Battalion in Bonny Island, Rivers State.

According to Acting Deputy Director 6 Division Army Public Relations Major Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, the event, which was attended by a diverse audience, including representatives of King Edward Dappa Pepple of Bonny Kingdom, Chief (Ambassador) Lieutenant Colonel Dagogo Claude Wilcox, Chairman of the Bonny Council of Chiefs, heads of security agencies, captains of industries, and the local community, witnessed the transformation of the military facility.

During his address, Major General Abdussalam reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigerian Army (NA) to safeguarding the lives and property of all Nigerians.

The GOC emphasized the importance of security and commended Lieutenant Colonel Habeeb Mbe, the Commanding Officer of 146 Battalion, for aligning with the Command Philosophy of the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja.

Major General Abdussalam praised Lieutenant Colonel Mbe’s initiative in spearheading projects that have created an enhanced environment for the troops to carry out their duties effectively and efficiently.

He emphasized that these projects would benefit both the current officers and those who would serve in the unit in the future.

The highlight of the ceremony was the renaming of the camp to “Lieutenant General Faruk Yahaya Camp,” a tribute to the immediate past Chief of Army Staff for his invaluable contributions to the Nigerian Army and the nation.

Major General Abdussalam assured the community in Bonny that the Nigerian Army remains dedicated to the security and safety of Nigeria and its citizens.

In his welcome address, Lieutenant Colonel Habeeb Mbe expressed gratitude for the strategic guidance provided by the GOC, which led to the successful execution of multiple projects.

He underscored the battalion’s commitment to upholding the COAS Command Philosophy, which seeks to transform the Nigerian Army into a well-trained, equipped, and highly motivated force to fulfill its constitutional responsibilities.

The event witnessed the inauguration of several projects, including the Commanding Officer’s Official residence, officers’ transit accommodation block, remodelled officers’ mess, and twin helipads within the camp. These additions complemented previously commissioned projects such as the perimeter fence, remodeled battalion entrance gate, quarter guard, 1.2-kilometer ring road, car park, and a mosque, all contributing to the overall improvement of the camp’s infrastructure.

The ceremony was not only marked by the commissioning of projects but also featured cultural dance performances by Abara and Finima cultural groups, souvenir presentations, and group photographs, making it a memorable and momentous occasion.

Major General Abdussalam’s commitment to enhancing the capabilities and infrastructure of the Nigerian Army, as well as his recognition of the contributions of his predecessor, Lieutenant General Faruk Yahaya, stands as a testament to the Army’s dedication to serving Nigeria and its people.

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It therefore urged every Nigerians who observed or notice anything before, during and after the election to contact the security agencies as they have deployed their men all over the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja.

In a statement the Nigerian Army said members of the public could get assistants through various hotlines which they could either make their reports or photographs where applicable and be rest assured that they will rise to the occasion.

The Army said no allowance would be given to anyone to forment trouble or act in any way as to constitute threats to public peace anywhere in the country.

They equally warned that the Army is poised to put to check activities of those who may be poised to carry out vote buying anywhere in the country, adding caught no matter how highly placed would be made to face the full wrath of the law.

The Army said the following dedicated lines, listed state by state could be contacted by whistle blowers to arrest any issue regarding the Presidential and National Assembly elections.

1. ABIA STATE

08031113129

2. ADAMAWA STATE

08022750987

3. AKWA-IBOM STATE

07034470916

4. ANAMBRA STATE

 07035891185

5. BAUCHI STATE

08128063675

6. BAYELSA STATE

08033241005

7. BENUE STATE

08080754339

8. BORNO STATE

09099616160

08086987079

9. CROSS RIVER STATE

08037084192

10. DELTA STATE

07035070797

11. EBONYI STATE

08158274048

12. EDO STATE

09066325953

13. EKITI STATE

08037851448

14.ENUGU STATE

09032102212

08023097458

15. GOMBE STATE

07063908779

08082557782

16. IMO STATE

07034907427

17. JIGAWA STATE

07017791414

08100144363

18. KADUNA STATE

07031544227

08028580978

08035242633

19. KANO STATE

08038432656

20. KATSINA STATE

08108854061

09012998054

21. KEBBI STATE

09130213661

22. KOGI STATE

08033217964

23. KWARA STATE

09060001270

24. LAGOS STATE

08034025825

08023190487

09024409000

08033709434

25. NASSARAWA STATE

 09051009404

26. NIGER STATE

07031346425

27. OGUN STATE

09116589494

28. ONDO STATE

08036130535

29. OSUN STATE

09019683922

30. OYO STATE

07047703000

31. PLATEAU STATE

08037116395

07031260622

32. RIVERS STATE

08064274222

33. SOKOTO STATE

07069084570

07052693532

08136913284

34. TARABA STATE

08136728969

08060902363

35. YOBE STATE

08061397656

36. ZAMFARA STATE

08140075541

37. FCT 09114913164

08186690471

08079153860

08034276240

08164304255

09159793968

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The games took place at the Defence Headquarters Sports Complex, Mogadishu Military Cantonment, Abuja, on Thursday.

To emerge overall champion, the NA clinched first positions in cross country, Taekwondo and Volleyball in both male and female categories, while its male athletes came second in basketball and football. The NA became champion.

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) were runners-up in the competition, securing first positions in football and basketball, as well as third positions in cross country, Taekwondo and volleyball all in the male categories, while in the female categories, the NAF came second in cross country and basketball as well as third position in Taekwondo. On the whole, the NAF pulled off two gold, three silver and four bronze medals in the competition.

The Nigerian Navy (NN) emerged third in the competition with a total of four silver and five bronze medals as the Service came second in the male categories of cross country, taekwondo and volleyball as well as third positions in basketball and football. The NN female athletes came second in taekwondo and third positions in cross country, basketball and volleyball.  

Minister of Defence, Major General Bashir Salihi Magashi (rtd) CFR, who was the Special Guest of Honour at the closing ceremony, commended the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) for the successfully hosting of the championship.

The Minister, who was represented by the Director of Army Affairs, Ministry of Defence, Mr Sunday Attah affirmed that, “the objective of  the competition, which is to reinforce the existing cordial working relationship between members of the Armed Forces, has been achieved.” He lauded the initiative of the  Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Gen LEO Irabor NAM, for creating the platform and enabling environment for hosting the sporting fiesta.

Maj Gen Magashi reiterated the commitment of the President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN), President Muhammadu Buhari GCFR, in ensuring the welfare and provision of all necessary enablement for the AFN to function effectively and professionally.

The Defence Minister urged the military not to rest on its oars, but to remaining steadfast, professional and committed to its constitutional responsibilities.

The CDS, Gen Lucky Irabor, who was represented by the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Oladayo Amao, commended the athletes that won laurels while displaying camaraderie and team spirit throughout the competition. 

According to Gen Irabor, “the level of sportsmanship exhibited during the competition further gives credence to the premium placed by the AFN on activities geared towards enhancing the combat readiness of its personnel”.

The Defence Chief maintained that, the AFN has continued to evolve in the area of joint training with emphasis on physical fitness training and sports. He stressed that, personnel who are ‘fit-to-fight’, couple with the massive reequipping of the AFN, have been crucial in dealing with the contemporary security challenges bedeviling the nation. 

Gen Irabor however, urged the athletes to sustain and strengthen their winning skills in order to be victorious in subsequent competitions, especially the forthcoming World Military Sports Championship in Beja, Portugal in October 2022. Gen Irabor expressed appreciation of members of the AFN for what he described as, “the tremendous support by the Federal Government to the operational and welfare needs of the AFN.”

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He said this in reaction to reports that two bandit leaders: Alhaji Auta and Kachalla Ruga, were killed in a forest in Zamfara State during an air strike.

Gumi who spoke through his media consultant, Tukur Mamu, to journalists on Tuesday said usually when there are airstrike in villages, innocent people are victims and not real bandits.

He questioned what progress has been made even when bandit leaders are killed especially when more dangerous bandit leaders emerge.

The Islamic cleric further called for dialogue and amnesty between the Federal Government and bandits across the country.

“There is a particular forest we visited in Niger State. The whole of the settlement had been bombarded. This settlement has nothing to do with bandits. In fact, they showed us two wells full of innocent people, dead, casualties of these bombardments.

“That’s exactly what these bandits were telling us. They said whenever we hear the sound of an aircraft, we run to our caves and then run. If they will succeed in killing anybody, it is the small children, the wives or the cows.

“That’s their own testimony. So you can imagine a country where, for example, bandits would gather in a forest and be celebrating. You don’t even have the intelligence to track them and eliminate them. Then you to say you will succeed in killing them.

“I hear them yesterday celebrating the reported death of bandit leader. So, for example, if you kill one bandit leader and another one emerges, what benefit did you derive?

“For example, you killed Dogo Gide, a person more dreaded than him emerged. When they killed Buharin Daji, Turji emerged. So what’s the success there? And for us to even be celebrating. There is nothing to celebrate, the only thing we can celebrate is that if our military succeeds in crushing them all and they cannot.”

Going into dialogue with the bandits, he said, was not a sign of weakness, noting that the peace enjoyed in the oil-rich Niger Delta, was as a result of dialogue the late President Umaru Yar’Adua entered with the militants there.

“You have to address so many economic issues and so many issues of injustice. And then for you to pursue the path of dialogue. It is not a sign of weakness. That’s what Yar’Adua initiated in Niger Delta.

“Do you think the silence we used to hear now from Niger Delta is because of guns? Is it because of military might? There are many top militant commanders that have been on the payroll of the Federal Government for the past eight years. They are the richest now, top militants, commanders.

“But this is a silent issue that nobody knows. But that is the reason why you can explore oil and then exploit it. The only reason why their own is different is because the Federal Government knows that if they didn’t do something there, it will affect the whole economy. That’s the issue,” he added.

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In a statement issued by Captain Babatunde Zubairu, the

Assistant Director Army Public Relations, NATRAC, in Minna on Friday.

The statemsta said that Gagariga,spoke  in Kontagora during the graduation ceremony of 288 officers and men of the Nigerian Army who had undergone trainings.

It also said that Gagariga was represented by the Chief of Staff, Headquarters, Nigerian Army Corps of Artillery, Brig.-General Lebonsina Lebo,

He stated that the continuous emergence of the asymmetric threats which appeared majorly in the form of terrorism and insurgency and being perpetrated by criminals across the country made the trainings more relevant.

Gagariga charged the outgoing trainees to sustain the knowledge acquired during the trainings.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Commander Nigerian Army Training Centre, Maj.-Gen. Oluyinka Soyele, explained that the training covered wide range of sensitive and strategic operations.

Explaining  that the exercise would go a long way in enhancing professional capacities and duties of the graduands when eventually deployed for operations.

The commander thanked the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Faruk Yahaya, for the support to the centre.

In his speech, the Chief of Training, (Army), Maj.-Gen. Abdulsalami Ibrahim, represented by Brig.-Gen. Aminu Usman, stated that the training of selected army personnel was a partnership between the federal government and Chinese Government.

He said further that Nigerian Army Training Centre was used as host institution for effective drive and maintainance of the newly acquired platforms.

Ibrahim explained that the newly procured Camel Mine Resistance Anti Ambush Protector and Armour Personnel Carriers Multi-Functional EQ Series were acquired to enhance better performance for the troops against insurgence and other forms of security challenges in the country.

He  congratulated the graduands for the successful completion of the special training and urged them to be law-abiding citizens with high sense of professionalism.

In his vote of thanks, the Head of Foreign Partners, Mr Tang Tian, appreciated the commander, students, the leadership of the Nigerian Army and Nigerian government for giving him and his company the opportunity to serve.

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The LGA boss spoke on the development in a statement he issued and made available to newsmen on Monday.

Ugwueze said: “The attention of the Government and Good people of Nsukka Local Government Area have been drawn to a trending video online purporting an attack on the men of the Nigeria Military and an ensuing escalation of break down of law and order in the university town.

“The video, widely circulated online, especially on WhatsApp platforms by one Wisdom Ezema, a faceless character, notorious for his constant uploading of unverified contents on social media, is to say the least an embarrassment to the peace loving people of the council area, who over the years have maintained healthy relationship with both the military and paramilitary forces domiciled in Nsukka local government area.

Read Also: Police confirm killing of 2 neighbourhood watch operatives in Enugu

“We therefore, denounce the video and state without any reservation that there was no security breach of any sort let alone with the military in our domain.

“It is important to warn mischief makers who use the agency of the new media to vend false information to desist as they would be made to face the full weight of the law when apprehended.

“We commend the military, Police, Civil Defence, DSS and of course the Neighbourhood Watch and Forest Guards for their commitment to ensuring peace and security in the Council Area.

“We therefore call on our people, visitors and the general public to go about their businesses without fear of molestation as Nsukka local Government and indeed Enugu State in general have remained the safest place even in the face of the current security situation across the country.”

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YWG National President, Comrade Adegoke Alawuje made the appeal on Wednesday, during a condolence visit to the Nigeria Defence Academy, following bandits attack.

Alawuje who condoles the military on the death of three of its officers in the unfortunate incident specifically warned spirituals leaders to stop fueling insecurity.

He noted that while millions of Nigerians believe in their religious leaders, it is unfortunate that they have decided to do the bidding of politicians who are bent on destroying the country for political gains.

He warned religious leaders to beware of  politicians who have sold their souls to the devil.

“Our governors, political and religious leaders should rather focus on national integration and overall national interest. Instead of fanning the embers of hatred and bigotry, they should deemphasis regional preferences, ethnic jingoism and religious profiling”.

Alawuje warned that the recent carnage in Jos, Plateau State and the attack on the Nigeria Defence Academy should not be politicised but be treated as a national tragedy and an existential threat to the collective survival of Nigeria.

“If there is a crisis in any part of the country, it’s only a matter of time before it engulfs the entire country. For instance, we have all seen how states governors are rushing to move their indigene out of Plateau State. Similarly, Nigerians should not forget that every State has students in the NDA, just as many of us have friends and relatives within the premises of the Institution.

“YWG is therefore calling on Mr President, the Vice President, the Senate President and the Speaker of the House of Assembly to take a lead toward uniting of the nation and display the sprit of one nation to all Nigerians irrespective of their ethnic or religious differences.

“We in the Southwest of the country have no choice than to keep clamoring for harmony, love and unity of Nigerians because we are central of the survival of this country”.

Alawuje called on politicians, particularly the opposition, to stop politicising insecurity, just as he called on politicians to separate politics from national interest.

He also cautioned citizens not to allow themselves to be used as tools by unscrupulous politicians who often trade the interest of the masses for cheap political gains.

He warned that if Nigeria is destroyed today because of hatred of President Mihammadu Buhari or resentment for his tribe, the country may have been destroyed beyond what the incoming president or political party could repair or remedy.

Alawuje who is also a former military officer with national and international experiences said no serious citizens or country plays politics with its citizens’ security.

He maintained that Nigerians remain the major problem of Nigeria, saying the major factor militating against the success of Nigeria remains Nigerians.

“Nigeria was fantastic and safe because our forefathers worked together to build it, but Nigerians of today do discriminate against themselves in virtually all aspects. Though there is nothing wrong in an ethnic or religious group protecting the interest of its people, yet such must not get to the level of celebrating tragedy and politicising national interest”, he added.

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Olabanji spoke in Minna during a Security Awareness seminar, tagged: “A Prerequisite for Enhanced Barracks Security.’’

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the seminar was organised for members of Minna military cantonment community at TRADOC headquarters in Minna on Wednesday.

According to him, it is no longer news that the nation is currently grappling with some challenges, including insurgency, armed banditry, kidnapping and terrorism, among others, in some parts of the country.

He said that this had necessitated the deployment of the military and other para-military organisations across the country to deal with the situation at hand.

“We cannot deny the fact that such challenges exist and must be addressed accordingly for sustained peace and progress of human endeavours,” the TRADOC commander said.

He said that insecurity knew no race, tribe or religion and as such, must be approached holistically.

“That is why I am deeply convinced that this seminar is timely and apt, as it is said ‘charity begins at home’.

“We need to be security conscious within the barracks.

“We now have within the barracks community thriving businesses, schools, farms and recreational facilities, among others, all of which are open to the general public and not limited to military personnel only,’’ he said.

Olabanji said that the Nigerian army barracks still remained the safest place in the country, adding: “we must strive to ensure that the highest form of security is in place and sustained.”

He said that the seminar would, among other things, enlighten the barracks community on the general overview of the contemporary security situations, both globally and locally. Olabanji called on residents not to hesitate to give prompt information concerning suspicious movements, assemblage, object and persons lurking around their neighbourhood whose mission or intentions were not clear.

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From Olukayode Idowu

Following the recent unprecedented and massive surrendering of Boko Haram Terrorists in Bama Operational area August 2 and 4, 2021 respectively, there has been confusion and severe apprehension in the camps of the Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) especially amongst its top ranking commanders over the depleting strength of its members, which has drastically dwindled their overall fighting efficiency.

It is against this back drop that the terrorists group opted for the use of propaganda via AMAQ Terrorists Media Wing with the aim to portray the group as if it is still a potent force in the North East.

The current trend of apprehension in their camps was further aggravated by the recent alarming turn out of members of the terrorists group, who came out in droves with their families to lay down their arms and surrender to own troops at Mafa Local Government Area on 14 August, 2021.

A total of 186 Boko Haram Terrorists members led by their Amir, Manye Aga, comprising 67 adult males, 54 adult females and 65 children surrendered to troops of Operation HADIN KAI at Forward Operational Base (FOB) Ajiri. Items recovered from the surrendered terrorists include, several AK 47 rifles and magazines, a locally made pistol and 8 locally fabricated daggers.

Similarly, on 15 August, 2021, the Theatre took custody of additional Boko Haram fighters, comprising of 4 adult males, 11 adult females and 18 children from Landanli, Azah, Ngaridua and Kondilla villages, who surrendered to own troops of 151 Task Force Battalion, Banki Junction in Bama.

ISWAP is yet to come to terms with the reality of its current predicament, which has posed serious negative impact on its prowess. 

It is also worthy of note that the terrorists are overwhelmed with palpable fear and are making desperate efforts to halt the ongoing surrendering of their fighters from the Tumbus and Sambisa axis.

The Nigerian Military is more resolute in intensifying both kinetic and non kinetic efforts in the fight against insurgency, banditry and sundry crimes in the country.

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